Heathers Horsham Cancer Support Group
Heathers Cancer Support Group, a cherished organisation that provided practical and emotional assistance to those affected by cancer in the Horsham area, has officially closed its doors after 12 years of dedicated service. The decision to close the group, which was made by the board of trustees, comes after a long period of uncertainty and challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. The group, which had been temporarily shut down due to restrictions, will not be reopening, marking the end of an era for the local cancer support community.
The History of Heathers Cancer Support Group
Founded in 2009, Heathers Cancer Support Group was established to offer a vital lifeline to individuals and families in the Horsham area who were impacted by cancer. The group’s origins can be traced back to a small group of women who, after receiving support from The Olive Tree Cancer Support Centre in Crawley, decided to create a similar service in Horsham. These women, including Shirley Denhart and Mary Mitchell, sought to bring the same compassionate and inclusive environment to their own community, where people could come together to share their experiences and find comfort in one another’s company.
The group initially struggled to find a suitable location for their meetings but eventually found a welcoming home in the Unitarian Church in Horsham. The church, located in the heart of the town next to a bus stop, provided the ideal space for the group’s twice-monthly meetings. The church’s accessibility and central location made it an easy place for people to gather, and the group quickly became a vital part of the local cancer support network.
The Role of Heathers Cancer Support Group
Over the years, Heathers Cancer Support Group became a cornerstone of support for those affected by cancer in the Horsham area. The group’s mission was to offer a safe space where people could share their grief, gain practical advice, and find comfort in the presence of others who understood their struggles. Members of the group were not just individuals affected by cancer themselves, but also those who had lost loved ones to the disease.
The group’s meetings, which took place on the first and third Monday of each month, were a place for individuals to come together over a cup of tea, share their stories, and offer each other comfort. For some, these meetings provided an opportunity to express the pain of their loss for the first time, while for others, time had made their grief more bearable. The group had about 25 regular members, many of whom had attended for years and formed strong bonds with one another. These connections were an essential part of the group’s ethos, helping participants feel less isolated in their journeys.
In addition to regular meetings, Heathers Cancer Support Group also organised outings and social events, further strengthening the sense of community and providing members with opportunities to engage in lighthearted activities and socialise outside of the emotionally heavy discussions about cancer. The group’s informal, open structure allowed attendees to come and go as they needed, offering flexibility and ensuring that everyone’s individual needs were met.
A Difficult Decision to Close
Despite the success and impact of the group over the years, the trustees of Heathers Cancer Support Group made the reluctant decision to close permanently following a period of sustained challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The group had been forced to suspend its activities during the height of the pandemic, and when restrictions were lifted, a series of logistical and operational hurdles made it difficult to re-establish the group in its original form.
A spokesperson for the group explained that these challenges, coupled with changes in the availability of volunteers and support, ultimately led to the difficult decision to close the group. "It was with a heavy heart that the decision to close the group was unanimously agreed," the spokesperson said, acknowledging the deep sense of loss felt by those involved in the organisation.
Chairman Lady Sue Evans, speaking after the final trustees’ meeting, expressed the sadness of the decision, stating: “It has been a very difficult decision to close down Heathers Cancer Support group. However, we are pleased to learn that as The Olive Tree Horsham branch is expanding its service, there will be continued support available to those who need it.”
The Olive Tree: Continuing the Support
While Heathers Cancer Support Group may no longer be operational, the charity has provided a transition for individuals seeking ongoing support. The Olive Tree Cancer Support Centre, which operates out of Crawley Hospital and has several locations in Horsham, has expanded its services to accommodate those in need of cancer-related support in the area. The Olive Tree offers a range of services, from the point of diagnosis through to treatment and beyond, ensuring that individuals and families affected by cancer continue to receive the support they require.
Individuals who are in need of assistance are encouraged to reach out to The Olive Tree, which now serves as the primary source of cancer support in Horsham. The centre’s services include emotional support, practical advice, and a community of people who have experienced similar challenges. The Olive Tree is fully operational once again, following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, and continues to be a vital resource for those impacted by cancer in the region.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Cancer Support in Horsham
Although the closure of Heathers Cancer Support Group marks the end of a significant chapter in the Horsham cancer support community, it is heartening to know that the services provided by the group will live on through The Olive Tree. The expansion of The Olive Tree’s services in Horsham ensures that those who need cancer-related support will continue to have access to the help and resources they require.
For those who benefited from Heathers Cancer Support Group, the closure may be bittersweet, but the friendships and memories forged during the group’s 12 years of operation will undoubtedly continue to be a source of strength. The legacy of the group lives on in the hearts of those who attended and in the continued provision of cancer support services in the Horsham area.
Those in need of support are encouraged to contact The Olive Tree at 01403 627424 for further assistance.